Hi. Sorry to hear your news. I have had a colostomy bag since December, 2019. I didn't have chance to worry about it as it was a life saving move.

I soon got used to it and see it just as part of my body. Lots of my friends don't know I have it. Changing the pouch will just become part of your daily routine, like brushing your teeth. It will come to the stage where you don't give it a second thought.

Take advice on diet and what to avoid. I can no longer eat cabbage, which I used to love, or some cereals. But, that is a small price to pay in exchange for your life.

Good luck.

Hi , thank you for taking the time to reply to my post :) i don't know if I'll definitely have to have a bag yet all I know at the moment is I've got cancer in the bottom of my bowel, had mri yesterday and having a ct colonoscopy today to see if it's spread. I'll certainly have a good think about what you have said ... you're very brave :) 

My husband was diagnosed in May with rectal cancer. Done with chemo radiation and in the middle of 6 rounds of chemotherapy now. He struggles accepting stoma but ultimately it looks like there will be no other way. 

Good to read of people who adjusted to stoma well!

Planning! Always have a spare pair of pants with u and a change of bag when you go out. Apart from that it's just going to take time for you to get used to looking abit different. The main scary part is not knowing what to expect but for me it improved my quality of life drastically, hope this helps! Xx

Hi, I had severe constipation, blood in my stool, also blood when I passed wind and severe stomach cramps . Hope your mum is ok, love to you both x

Thank you for your reply, sorry to hear about your husband. I'm not even sure yet what the hospitals plans are for me , I'm waiting to find out. I'm guessing it's very difficult for absolutely everyone who faces having a stoma. I hope your husband makes a good recovery 

Hi Sophie , thank you for your reply. Planning sounds like the key, i have been thinking " how will I go out ?" I'm so glad your life has improved so much :) that's good to hear x

Thank you for your reply, I will give everything a good think before I make any decision regarding this, take care x

Hi, thanks for your very practical advice and positive response. It’s great to know it improved your quality of life.

As you say it’s the not knowing what to expect that often brings tears to my eyes, just like it is now.

Thanks for sharing.